Off the Beaten Path Adventures

Whether kooky, spooky, or quirky, taking the path less traveled can be the best way to make your own history.

The Julia-Ann Square Historic District is filled with mansions that echo the newfound wealth of the 20th-century oil, gas and timber wealth. These were the homes of some of the most influential figures in West Virginia’s early history. Each year, visitors have the rare opportunity to tour select homes and enjoy a Victorian tea during the summer (June) and Christmas (December) tours.

As located within Julia-Ann Square Historic District, the Riverview Cemetery offers a fascinating look at memorials of the notables interred there. Its legendary Weeping Lady is said to awaken when the moon is full and mourn the souls lost in the Civil War.

The Haunted Parkersburg Ghost Tours (late Sept. through early Nov.), one of the nation’s most popular, leads visitors through a downtown tour of haunted history and paranormal tales.

On a lighter note, Berdine’s 5 & Dime, America’s oldest, still offers nooks and crannies filled with tin toys, bulk candies and unusual items of yesteryear, as it has since 1908.

Finally, if you’re looking to stretch your legs, visit the nearby North Bend Rail Trail. Stretching 72 miles through 13 tunnels (a few are haunted), the North Bend Rail Trail winds through rural countryside and historic sites, and its low grade makes it perfect for biking, hiking, or horseback riding.

If you love the traditional brewed cup of coffee, you will love Stoked Coffee. This native Parkersburg business serves custom made coffee using the top 5% of coffee beans from around the world. Each cup of Joe is full-bodied yet smooth, nutty and chocolaty in flavor.

A cozy retreat to the welcoming forests and hills of West Virginia will offer you a few days to catch your breath and relax. North Bend State Park and Lodge are the ideal setting for your winter or spring retreat. The park hosts a number of events ranging from girlfriend getaways to murder mystery dinner theatre and more!

You’re sure to be entertained when you pick a performance to attend at one of our local theaters! The legendary Smoot Theatre in downtown Parkersburg recalls the splendor of another era. The Actors Guild of Parkersburg entertains with incredible productions by award-winning local talent. And the recently restored and re-opened Peoples Bank Theatre is jam-packed with nationally-known artists all year.

There are some fantastic shopping opportunities in the Mid-Ohio Valley. Here is a printable shopping trail of our Parkersburg & Marietta Partners. As you drive along you might just see some other shops that catch your eye!